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Dr. Lynda Wilson appointed to Global Advisory Panel on the Future of Nursing

Dr. Lynda Wilson appointed to Global Advisory Panel on the Future of Nursing

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Created: April 23rd, 2014

The panel is chaired by Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing Dean Emerita and Professor Dr. Martha N. Hill.

"GAPFON will be a catalyst to stimulate partnerships and collaborations to advance global health outcomes. I am excited and honored to chair this initiative and look forward to working with nurses, other health professionals, and key stakeholders who are committed to improving global health domestically and internationally," said Dr. Hill.

The initial GAPFON meeting — an intense three-day high-level gathering that facilitated discussion to identify and discuss strategies to positively influence global health — took place in Basel, Switzerland, 27-29 March 2014. Key issues identified include the need for reform, advocacy, and innovations in leadership, policy, practice, education, and work environments.

"It is imperative that global nurse leaders work together to develop a unified voice and vision for the future of nursing worldwide," said STTI President Dr. Hester C. Klopper. "The Global Advisory Panel on the Future of Nursing will be a vehicle for thought leaders to share information, develop and influence policy, and advance this profession to influence global health."

GAPFON will hold a series of regional meetings of leaders from key stakeholder groups, including representatives from multiple sectors around the globe, to obtain knowledge and social, economic, cultural, and political insight related to issues determined at this inaugural meeting. Data from these meetings will provide the basis for an action plan including policy implications.

Panel member Dr. John Daly said, "The advisory panel and its agenda provide an unprecedented opportunity for global nursing leadership to make major strides in contributing to advances in global health."

During the past decade, STTI, which holds special consultative status with the United Nations' ECOSOC (Economic and Social Council), has assumed an increasingly global role in advancing world health and promoting the nursing profession. The creation of GAPFON represents a major advance in establishing strategic directions for improving global health. Having taken the initiative to host the inaugural meeting and future regional meetings, STTI is laying the foundation for GAPFON to continue in the future as a sustainable advisory entity.

Advisor to Her Royal Highness Princess Muna El Hussein — the World Health Organization's (WHO's) Patron for Nursing Midwifery — and Senator, the Kingdom of Jordan, Dr. Rowaida Al-Ma'aitah states, "I believe the time is right for a sharper vision and collective voice for nurses and midwives all over the world to influence the global health agenda. GAPFON is a powerful vehicle for paving the future of nurses' influence in achieving global health outcomes."

Establishment of the GAPFON meets STTI's mission to advance world health, and the theme of STTI President Dr. Hester Klopper's call to action, "Lead Globally, Transform Regionally, Serve Locally."

Rowaida Al-Ma'Aitah, PhDAdvisor for Her Royal Highness Princess Muna El Hussein for Health and Social DevelopmentSenator, Jordan Nursing Council and the Upper Parliament of JordanProfessor, Jordan University of Science and TechnologyAmman, Jordan

About the Honor Society of Nursing, Sigma Theta Tau International (STTI)The Honor Society of Nursing, Sigma Theta Tau International (STTI) is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to support the learning, knowledge and professional development of nurses committed to making a difference in health worldwide. Founded in 1922, STTI has more than 135,000 members in more than 85 countries. Members include practicing nurses, educators, researchers, policymakers, entrepreneurs, and others. STTI's 492 chapters are located at 672 institutions of higher education throughout Australia, Botswana, Brazil, Canada, Colombia, England, Ghana, Hong Kong, Japan, Kenya, Malawi, Mexico, the Netherlands, Pakistan, Singapore, South Africa, South Korea, Swaziland, Sweden, Taiwan, Tanzania, the United States, and Wales. More information about STTI can be found online at www.nursingsociety.org.